πορισμός (porismos)
porismos
gain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun porismos refers to a means of acquisition or a source of gain. Derived from a root meaning "to procure" or "to provide," it describes something that generates profit or sustenance. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both within the Pastoral Epistles, specifically in First Timothy.
Its usage highlights a contrast between spiritual wealth and material accumulation. In 1 Timothy 6:5, Paul identifies those who think religion is a way to get rich as having corrupted minds. He then clarifies that true godliness combined with contentment is itself the great porismos, or gain. This redefines the concept of profit, shifting it from financial increase to spiritual sufficiency.
The word carries the sense of a livelihood or a resource that provides for one’s needs. By using this term, the text acknowledges the reality of economic gain while redirecting its value toward inner peace and faith. It serves as a concrete reminder that what truly sustains life is not external wealth, but the quiet confidence found in godliness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word porismos points to a source of profit or acquisition, yet in the New Testament it takes on a surprising meaning. Paul uses it to describe a kind of wealth that does not come from bank accounts but from the heart. When he speaks of gain, he is not talking about financial increase, but about a deep, internal sufficiency that sustains us through life's changes.
This redefinition invites us to look at our own lives with fresh eyes. We often chase security in external things, only to find that anxiety follows closely behind. Paul offers a different path: true gain is found when we combine godliness with contentment. This means finding peace not in what we have, but in who God is and how He provides for us day by day.
It is a gentle reminder that our greatest treasure is spiritual, not material. When we trust in God's provision, we discover a quiet confidence that no market crash can shake. This kind of gain is always available to those who seek it, offering a stability that outlasts every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gain1×
- a means of gain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πορισμὸς1×
- πορισμὸν1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 6:5
constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
Paul identifies the error of viewing religion as a tool for financial profit, showing how this mindset corrupts the mind and leads to friction.
-
I Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
This verse redefines gain by pairing godliness with contentment, establishing spiritual sufficiency as the true source of wealth.